15 Things to do in Midland, Texas

15 Things to do in Midland, Texas

Midland, Texas is a city in the middle of West Texas. Despite what you may think upon initially investigating Midland, there are quite a few things to do. I’ve put together a list of things to do in Midland with kids and without in no particular order. Plus, the best places to eat, drink and shop! I hope this list helps you have lots of fun.

15 Things to do in Midland, Texas

It’s hot out in West Texas, so I am kicking this list off with the community pools.

Midland has a fantastic community pool that kids will love. I think this is the best community pool in the area. It has bigger slides than the other community pools, a dedicated area for younger children, a rock climbing wall, and more.

Washington Aquatic Center

This is a water playground, two huge slides and of course a pool. The entry fee is cheap, only $3 per person! Children under the age of 2 are free. Located at 1601 E. Indiana, Midland, TX79701. (We haven’t visited this pool, so unfortunately I cannot give you first hand info on this one.)

Midland Rockhounds

The Midland Rockhounds are the Permian Basin’s minor league baseball team. The games are quite fun and kid friendly. They have a very nice playground for the kids. They do an elaborate fireworks show for the 4th of July.

Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Here you can catch a touring Broadway show, a concert including bands or a symphony. Located at 1310 Farm to Market 1788, Midland, TX 79707.

Cinergy

Midland and Odessa both have Cinergy Movie complexes now. Both have an arcade. The one in Midland has a ropes course. The Midland location also has Escape rooms. Cinergy Midland: 1917 Liberty Dr, Midland, TX 79706

Big Sky Drive Inn

West Texas has always had great weather, so it just makes sense that they would have a drive in theater and after all these years, they finally have one again. It is a pet-friendly drive-in cinema offering 3 double features nightly, plus a large concession menu.

Located at: 6200 W Hwy 80, Midland, TX 79706

Eat Candy at Susie’s South Forty Confections

For some of the best candy creations you’ve ever had in your entire life head to Susie’s South Forty located at 2101 W Wadley, Midland, Texas. They let you sample lots of their candy for free and they are always running a really good sale in the store. Do not leave without trying Texas Trash.

You can also visit their candy factory at 401 S Marienfeld St, Midland, TX 79701. Here you can watch them make the candy.

The Petroleum Museum

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum has exhibits relating to the oil and gas industry of the Permian Basin of west Texas and southeast New Mexico. They have the world’s largest collection of antique oil drilling equipment. You can get some cool Instagram photos out front. Located at 1500, I-20, Midland, TX 79701.

Bowlero

Bowlero in Midland is the probably the place to bowl in town. They have 32 lanes including black lights on certian nights, plush seats, hi-def video walls, and the convenience of laneside food & beverage service.

Museum of the Southwest

The Museum of the Southwest over in Midland has a fun kid’s area. The kids area is known as the Durham Children’s Museum. Here kids will find a variety of interactive spaces that create an exciting learning experience for children of all ages. Ponder marine life by visiting our living coral reef. They can experience hands-on learning and life while playing in the child-sized grocery store, kitchen and vet clinic. The museum also offers community events.

Sibley Nature Center

The Sibley Nature Center encompasses 49 acres in Hogan Park in Midland and highlights the southern Llano Estacado, Edwards Plateau and Transpecos Regions. Inside they have taxidermy exhibits of animals found in our region, which can be highly entertaining for kids. For kids, they offer guided tours, toddler times with gardening and story time, and they have a nature club for grade schoolers. The Sibley Nature Center is open to the public Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Sibley Nature Trails are open daily sunrise to sunset.

George W. Bush Childhood Hom

For $5 you can tour the The George W. Bush Childhood Home. Home to two Presidents, two Governors and a First Lady, this remarkable 1950s restoration gives visitors a unique perspective of the Bush family and their legacy, insight into the restoration of this modest home and provides an interesting view of life in 1950s Midland.

In addition to goods for sale they have live music, a children’s activity area, food trucks, and information by the local Master Gardener.

The market takes place ever Saturday from 8:00am – 12:00pm.

Midland Community Theater

Considered one of the top ten amatuer theaters in the United States, the Midland Community Theater offers classic & contemporary plays, musicals, and children’s programming. Located at 2000 W Wadley Ave, Midland, TX 79705.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum

The commemorative Air Force Museum includes planes from several foreign countries and other military conflicts since World War II. They host an air show every year.

The best places to shop in Midland

There’s so much good shopping in Midland, especially if you enjoy boutique shopping. Since boutique-ing is one of my favorite things to do, I know lots of good ones.

Willow – I’ve gotten some great jewelry here. It’s a gorgeous store with a bit of a hill country feel to it.

Miss Cayce’s Christmas Store – If you’ve ever thought I wish I could shop for Christmas stuff all year, well in Midland you can!

The Pink Pug – A gift shop with all kinds of things including clothes.

Le Bebe Boutique – Family owned and unbelievably adorable. They have all kids of things for baby.

Altar’d State – Okay, this is a chain, but it’s so great. If you are looking for women’s clothes this place is a must. They have a 10% military discount.

The best places to eat in Midland, Texas

Cafe at the Gardens – There is a restaurant now at Aldridge Gardens. Located at: 3300 N Fairgrounds Rd, Midland, TX 79705

Abuelo’s – Yes, it is a chain, but it’s too good not to mention. It’s my favorite Tex-Mex chain restaurant!

Venezia Restaurant – This is a lovely Italian restaurant perfect for a date night.

Taco Di Vino – For the best tacos head here. Located at 111 W Oak Ave, Midland, TX 79705.

Best Bars in Midland, Texas

Little Woodrow’s – A sports bar with a great patio with fire pits. Located at 3415 North Loop 250, Midland, TX 79703.

The Beer Garden – Out on highway 80 is The Beer Garden. They have a variety of draft beers available as well as wine in an open-air venue with picnic tables & live music. Located at: 7112 W Hwy 80, Midland, TX 79706

The Blue Door – I’ve only been here once. It’s small, but it’s great. They have a large beer selection. Located at 4610 N Garfield St D, #1C, Midland, TX 79705.

Wall Street Bar & Grill – An old bar, but still great. They have good steak. Located at 115 E Wall St, Midland, TX 79701.

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Meagan is the author and host of Mommy Travels, a family travel and lifestyle blog. She has been traveling the world with her three kids for over a decade and loves sharing her adventures and tips with others.